Good evening, my ladies! Thanks for sticking with me during my mini-hiatus. I needed a little bit of time to regroup, refocus, and spend some time on me. And what I’ve realized is that, my favorite self care techniques include some pretty consistent things: TV, groceries, sleep, online shopping, and making my apartment feel homey and futuristic at the same time. Keep reading to see a few of the lil things that have brought me joy recently.

One prize down, three to go! I promised you that these prizes would be excellent ways to treat yourself this holiday season, and today’s prize does just that. It comes from one of my favorite gems in the city, and it’s a gift you’ll be able to savor for months & months to come!

Like I said in my Philly Valentine’s Day Gift Guide, I’ve never really gotten worked up over the big V-Day. What I do get worked up about is taking the time to appreciate yourself – your body, your mind, your friends, and your blessings. So this past Valentine’s Day (excuse the 30+ days it took me to get this post up), I celebrated by treating myself. The result was pretty much a Philly dream day for me, and I hope by sharing, I can encourage all of you to take the time to treat yourselves, too.

I don’t mind Valentine’s Day. I think it’s a nice opportunity and/or reminder to do something special for the ones you love. There are tons of gift guides for sweet, Pinterest-inspired gifts you can get for your BF (I mean, who wouldn’t want to get this?), so I’ve decided to tackle some gift ideas for the under-appreciated on the big V-Day: your BFF, your puppy, and, the most important one, yourself.Continue Reading…

I have been, and likely always will be, a huge LUSH Cosmetics fan. Since moving to Center City and living within walking distance of this yummy scented oasis, I have continuously enjoyed trying new products and watching the company grow. One day this past summer, I popped in to LUSH Walnut (1525 Walnut Street) to pick up some essentials before their impending brief closing & heard some amazing news – they were opening a spa! And after months of waiting, the spa is finally open for business.

I was invited to visit LUSH Walnut last week to get a peek at the new spa & learn more about the treatments. We started our tour with an intro from Tina Juden, the spa’s manager. The first LUSH Spa was opened in London in 2009, and Philly & NYC now mark the first “English” spas in the United States. The spa’s consultation room is anchored by a gorgeous reclaimed barn wood table and surrounded by empowering words up on the wall. Each client first meets in this room with their therapist to determine their needs and how to personalize each treatment, over a cup of tea at that! (But we had cocktails…)

Once your treatment & personalizations are selected, it’s time to head upstairs. While to some spas, the music playing in the background is just an afterthought, the movements at the LUSH Spa are choreographed to each treatment’s specific soundtrack. Plus, the therapists must train for four months in order to work at the Spa.

We started with the Spa’s signature treatment, Synaesthesia (80 minutes, $230). This treatment is a fully choreographed massage based on how you’d like to feel at that moment. The colors, scents & music you experience are all tailored around your instinctive choice of “emotional state” decided upon in the consultation room.

Our second room featured The Validation (60 minutes, $140), a non-invasive facial meant to treat your skin and make you feel beautiful from the inside out. You get to pick 13 products to use during your session, and even take home the leftovers!

Next we moved on to The Spell (60 minutes, $120), a “magical” treatment meant to help you let go of worry and move forward in life with ease. This one is literally all devoted to the feet, with the added bonus of a scalp massage. I think I know a few men who would like this one . . .

Our next room was The Good Hour (70 minutes *get it?*, $180). This treatment is a full body, deep tissue massage that is choreographed to a boisterous soundtrack featuring sailors & mariners from the 50’s & 60’s. The music seemed a little too much for me, but if you’re into that sort of transformative experience, this might be fun.

Our last stop (though there are two more treatments available) was The Comforter (60 minutes, $170), and this may have been my favorite of the bunch. The Comforter is an exfoliation & rolling body massage treatment on a fluffy, heated duvet under a dark room filled with stars. The scents used are chocolate and rose, and I really loved the music.

The Spa was really a treat to experience. And when I get a treatment there, it will also be a treat. Yes, the prices may be a little more than what you’re used to paying in the Philly area, but I can assure you, your experience will be one of a kind.

Fall is my favorite season. During the weeks leading up to the holidays, there is something special in the air that makes me a very happy girl. In addition to hot cider, riding boots, and not sweating every time I walk somewhere, bringing all things fall inside my apartment is pretty important too. I have a special obsession with three scents in particular around this time of year, and you can pick each of them up in-store in Philly.

The Bath & Body Works Leaves candle is literally heaven on earth. I honestly don’t know how many of these I have burned through over the years, but the trick is to stock up before they stop selling for the year. I, unfortunately, have not stocked up yet, and withdraw symptoms are coming.

Get it at: Bath & Body Works (1625 Chestnut Street or 1851 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard)

I had forgotten how amazing LUSH’s It’s Raining Men Shower Gel was in the “off season,” but as soon as Labor Day rolled around, my love was renewed. It smells like honey and happiness and I literally use it every shower from September through, like, February.

Get it at: LUSH (normally 1525 Walnut Street, but this location is closed as they are building a LUSH SPA. Ohhh my gosh. In the meantime, try the Cherry Hill Mall.)